Posts Tagged ‘merchandise’

In order to attract public support, humanitarian organizations need to create a brand. They need a distinguished cause, mission, or even a celebrity face that will attract loyal donations and volunteer efforts. Appealing to the impulses of a consumer culture, a majority of these organizations sell merchandise. It sounds ideal – purchase something trendy and support a worthy cause, all in one swift transaction. But I find myself wondering whether this commodification of humanitarianism is compromising something. Do we favor charity that we can wear? What are our motives? Or is humanitarian apparel an earnest option for the socially conscious shopper?